3 So when we could stand it no longer,^(A) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.^{(B) 2} We sent Timothy,^(C) who is our brother and co-worker^(D) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,^(E) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.^(F) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.^(G)

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

⁶ But Timothy^(A) has just now come to us from you^(B) and has brought good news about your faith and love.^(C) He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.^{(D) 7} Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. ⁸ For now we really live, since you are standing firm^(E) in the Lord. ⁹ How can we thank God enough for you^(F) in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?^{(G) 10} Night and day we pray^(H) most earnestly that we may see you again^(I) and supply what is lacking in your faith.

¹¹ Now may our God and Father^(J) himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. ¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other^(K) and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. ¹³ May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless^(L) and holy in the presence of our God and Father^(M) when our Lord Jesus comes^(N) with all his holy ones.^(O)